VALLEY OF THE SHADOW by J M Hochstetler

Author:J M Hochstetler
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Sheaf House Publishers
Published: 2015-08-10T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

Andrews’s ramrod-straight stance wilted under the force of his commander’s glare. “Your Excellency, there simply wasn’t time for General Carleton to send word begging your advice or approval. General Howe commanded him to appear at his headquarters within two days or he’d execute—”

“I understand, but that is not the point.” Forty-five-year-old, auburn-haired General George Washington’s piercing blue-grey eyes narrowed, and he emphasized each clipped word. “I do not appreciate one of my generals embarking on such drastic action against the enemy without the courtesy of consulting with me. Especially when it involves sailing blithely into New York Harbor to assault the British Navy with—what? Three ships?”

Andrews’s gut clenched. The General’s immense physical energy seemed to overflow the small chamber. Andrews felt distinctly like a hapless sparrow skewered in an eagle’s talons.

He swallowed, wishing mightily that Washington’s aide had at least given him time to change out of sodden, muddy buckskins into a uniform before dragging him to the General’s headquarters. “I assure you the decision was not made blithely, Your Excellency. Forgive me, but I was under the impression—I mean, sir—Captain McLeod and Monsieur Teissèdre assured General Carleton that—”

Washington drew himself to his full six-foot-three height, his voice as icy as the gust of wind that rattled the bare trees outside. “You expect me to criticize a general officer in front of one of his subordinates? And particularly before his French agent—whom I highly suspect of being a spy for the court of Louis the Sixteenth—all while Congress’s commissioners are in Paris, engaged in negotiations to conclude a treaty with his government?”

Andrews briefly pressed his eyes shut. “Of course not. My apologies, Your Excellency.”

A dressing down. Lovely. The perfect finish to a perfect day.

The chill draft that pervaded the shadowy parlor, enlivened only by the faint glow of the seething embers on the hearth and the single guttering candle on the writing table, caused Andrews to shiver involuntarily. With the conviction that he took his rank, not to mention his life, in his hands, he drew a breath and plunged ahead.

“I believe you’d agree that Miss Howard’s efforts have been of considerable value to our cause, and that you’re aware of General Carleton’s deep attachment to her. Were Mrs. Washington caught in such danger, would you not move heaven and earth to secure her from harm?”

The General stiffened, high color suffusing his cheeks. “I do not need you to remind me of my responsibilities to my wife.” In spite of his severe tone, Andrews sensed a softening in his demeanor, and he quickly conceded, “I do not deny that Miss Howard has been of great service, nor that efforts ought to be made to rescue her. My greater concern is that . . . ” He cleared his throat and turned partially away so that Andrews could not read his expression. “I fear that not only will she be lost, but with her an excellent officer and a good friend.”

“I also stand to lose them,” Andrews reminded him, his voice tight.

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